]]>This year’s March 9th marks an important step in history: Barbie turns 60. But no, she does not feel like or look like 60, because Barbie never gets old. When she was first introduced at the New York Toy Fair in 1959, she was wearing a zebra-striped one-piece swimsuit and a very arrogant look for a teenage fashion model- which was her occupation back then. A lot has changed since then, with the company trying to keep up with the fast-changing society needs and the women’s evolving ideals.

In 2016, Mattel, the owner of Barbie Inc., introduced three new body types for Barbie, that would “inch” her closer to reality and that would bridge the gap between unrealistic ideals and the demands of the new age: she could now be found as petite, tall and curvy. They took things even further and this year, Barbie is releasing a doll in a wheelchair and one with a prosthetic limb, and will also be introducing a new, braided hair texture and yet another body type: smaller boobs, a less defined wasp waist and more defined arms.

Indeed, with 100-plus skin tones, hair colors and textures, eye colors, and facial structures already introduced, more than half of the Barbies purchased today are something more than the aspiring and ideal blonde-haired, blue-eyed original.

Throughout the years, Barbie has never ceased to show that women can and should be anything they want: she became an astronaut in 1965, a pink-suited CEO in 1985, a pilot in 1989 and a presidential candidate in 1992. Her many other occupations include surgeon, olympic athlete, firefighter, newborn baby doctor, computer engineer, new anchor, architect, fashion designer. But above all these jobs, have you ever imagined what would happen if Barbie even grew up and had kids? Or if she stayed the same and would not be a gorgeous, glowy, social media savy Millennial Mom?

If you couldn’t picture her, now you can. There is a special Instagram account that chronicles a Barbie named Tiff and her cool, hipster mama life.

Barbie’s most recent job? Well, it’s not that hard to guess in 2019 – Barbie is now a social media influencer. The BarbieStyle Insta account has 1.9 million followers and literally looks like the account of a celebrity star’s, rather than a Barbie doll’s. The posts show Barbie at Coachella, attending photo shoots in Milan, or chilling with the supermodel, as one glamorous girl does. And thanks to a marketing genius, Barbie is now even name-dropping and advertising her favorite products.

Barbie recently did her first sponsored post when photographed at an event for Dyson’s new supersonic hairdryer- and will most probably not be her last one of this kind.

Talking to Women’s Wear Daily, Barbie Vice President of Marketing Communications, Kristina Duncan, said that the account is run by a specialised team that creates custom-made outfits, scouts locations and builds special sets. “A core group within the Barbie design team saw an opportunity to show a beautiful, curated, behind-the-scenes look inside Barbie’s world. Barbie has always been a reflection of culture, and @BarbieStyle showcases her as an icon traveling the world, showing up in culturally relevant places and spaces,” Duncan told the site.

From left to right: Barbie drinking a matcha latte, Barbie at the polls on Election Day, Barbie drinking tea at the Carlyle. Photo via Instagram: @BarbieStyle

Insta-Barbie lives out grown-up fantasies: showing up at Fashion Week, attending the Forbes Women’s Summit, staying at the Standard hotel. She wears a Rodarte look straight off the spring 2018 runway and visits Alexander Calder’s mobiles at Hauser & Wirth in Los Angeles. She drinks matcha and does flat lays of her outfits, which an in-house team hand-sews for her 11½-inch frame.

]]>https://realmomster.com/life-in-plastic-is-fantastic-barbie-is-now-a-social-media-influencer/feed/0Harper Beckham Steals The Show With Her New Bob Haircut At VB Fall/Winter 2019https://realmomster.com/harper-beckham-steals-the-show-with-her-new-bob-haircut-at-vb-fall-winter-2019/
https://realmomster.com/harper-beckham-steals-the-show-with-her-new-bob-haircut-at-vb-fall-winter-2019/#respondMon, 18 Feb 2019 11:48:15 +0000https://realmomster.com/?p=13744The very handsome Beckham family reunited once again in the sweetest formula for Victoria Beckham‘s Fall/Winter 2019 fashion show at London Fashion Week. Her event is one of the most…

]]>The very handsome Beckham family reunited once again in the sweetest formula for Victoria Beckham‘s Fall/Winter 2019 fashion show at London Fashion Week. Her event is one of the most eagerly awaited events during fashion week mainly due to its front row presence: David in a tight, fitting suit, Brooklyn accompanied by his new girlfriend Hana Cross, brothers Romeo and Cruz, and, the star of the show, little Harper Beckham, sporting a completely new haircut.

The 7-year old went for an Anna Wintour fresh bob with bangs, which suits her sooo well, that we can almost not turn our eyes from her towards David. Little Harper seems to be following her mom’s footsteps in terms of fashion attire, wearing all black: a turtleneck and a schoolgirls skirt completed with black tights and black boots.

Photo via Getty Images

This season’s VB collection has ‘modern femininity’ as the dominant character, which, as she mentioned in a post prior to the show, will include signature silhouettes, with toggle and check print dresses, long hems, neon-colored shoes and supersized sleeves and cuffs among much else.

“I have been thinking about what women want, about modern femininity and about how to curate those ideas into a collection for today,” Beckham wrote on her Instagram prior to the show. “Our woman tells a story through each of the looks. She embraces our signature silhouettes, clothes that are wearable but still have the ability to let us dream. There’s almost a cinematic mood, an elevation, a character embedded within a narrative. She’s proper but she’s definitely not prim. You can feel a sense of her life through the clothes that she wears.”

]]>https://realmomster.com/harper-beckham-steals-the-show-with-her-new-bob-haircut-at-vb-fall-winter-2019/feed/0Valentine’s Day With The Kidshttps://realmomster.com/valentines-day-with-the-kids/
https://realmomster.com/valentines-day-with-the-kids/#respondTue, 12 Feb 2019 21:23:25 +0000https://realmomster.com/?p=13697Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’ve got a box of fine chocolates and your significant other’s desired perfume hidden in your dressing, then you’re all set.…

]]>Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’ve got a box of fine chocolates and your significant other’s desired perfume hidden in your dressing, then you’re all set. But actually, are you? This day is so much related to red hearts, gigantic rose bouquets, and romantic dinners, but what about showing your love on this day more than ever to your little ones? What about taking the day off to take your little baby boy or girl out on a coffee/ slash babyccino date? What if V Day were about loving, pampering and cuddling your mini you? And if you are moms of boys, even more so, as they are proof that you can be in love with more than one man at once.

So I’m thinking… how can I make Valentine’s Day special for my 3-year old boy who is now starting to get the hang of all these special celebrations of the year. Christmas? Check! His birthday/ my birthday/ daddy’s birthday? Check. Easter bunny? Check. Now it’s time to infuse some romance in this future man. Time to show him how to be a gentleman and impress his lady (this, if I will ever approve of any of the candidates he’ll be bringing home). Time to spice things up and teach him the importance of a good (and thoughtful) present from an early age – and also actually do this as a hint to his dad. Hope he will receive the message.

LOVE, LOVE, and MORE LOVE. Here are our suggestions for our little boys and girls.

First and foremost, a little adorable book that deals with expressing our love emotions… saying “I love you” might seem like an easy thing to do, but this little bunny and his dad find out that it’s not easy peasy to express your outbursting feelings of love, as they try to win in this game of love expression.

Adorable, and fun to read every night at bedtime, “Guess How Much I Love You” is the ideal present for any occasion, especially a love celebration like V Day.

And then, a little present is always a nice idea when trying to show your amore, right? These are my favourite Valentine’s Day-inspired presents for your mini me. So chic, simple and fun.

]]>https://realmomster.com/valentines-day-with-the-kids/feed/0The Reasons Why Dutch Moms Are The Happiest – And Their Kids Alsohttps://realmomster.com/the-reasons-why-dutch-moms-are-the-happiest-and-their-kids-also/
https://realmomster.com/the-reasons-why-dutch-moms-are-the-happiest-and-their-kids-also/#respondSun, 10 Feb 2019 22:57:05 +0000https://realmomster.com/?p=13686If you’ve ever traveled to the Netherlands and spent some time there, you have most probably noticed how carefree and joyful Dutch parents are, along with their little ones. One…

]]>If you’ve ever traveled to the Netherlands and spent some time there, you have most probably noticed how carefree and joyful Dutch parents are, along with their little ones. One visit at the playground or at a cafe (as they’re all children friendly) is sufficient to remark the happiness that characterises this nation so well. It comes as no surprise that Dutch women and mothers live a charming life and seem to manage to ‘have it all’.

So the question is – what is their secret, how do they ‘do it’?

After living here for one and a half years, I would say that the first and foremost reason for their absolute happiness and relaxation is their parenting style. Dutch kids will go outside on any kind of weather – yes, including rain, snow, and heavy wind, and they will wear Bergstein boots and will be just fine. They will jump in muddy puddles and ride bikes without any hats on even when there’s 2 degrees outside. They will play barefoot on the streets and at the sand pits during summer, and will have ice-cream all year round- because why not? Who the hell said ice cream is to be enjoyed during summers only?!

Dutch moms will push around twin strollers and follow around their 2-year old toddlers riding MicroBoard scooters, while being totally relaxed about feeding times or locations, whatsoever. They will very probably be joined by the father of the babies later on, and enjoy outdoor snacks (yes, the kids too, from sandwiches, to cheese with grapes, crackers, rice cakes, paprikas or …simply bread) while the kids go all muddy and wet at the playground.

One secret weapon Dutch moms have? Dutch dads! Oh, hell, yeah! Dutch daddies are some of the most involved nation of dads in all things parenting, and this equality is proven to make mothers so much happier than the rest. They operate on strict “papadag” (daddy day) rules- where dads get usually two full days of daddy-ing a week- Saturdays, and another weekday of choice. These days are all about bonding with the kid(s), taking care of schedules, feedings, changing, outdoor activities, bath time and everything in between. Moms get the Saturdays for themselves, to get a massage, a blow-dry, mani-pedi, or hang out with the girlfriends. No matter what they want to do, they know for sure that they have those two full days just for themselves. Over a third of Dutch men in the Netherlands have a reduced work week and 15% of fathers choose to work less (CBS). Ever wondered about all those daddies coming to pick up their kids from school at 3 pm in the middle of the day? Voila! Proof that once they become a dad, they voluntarily choose to take time off to care for their offsprings and reduce their working hours.

Most Dutch moms also work part time after giving birth- one in three Dutch women stop working or work less after post natal leave. The companies’ culture and acceptance of part-time schedules for moms allow them to not have to choose between being a “stay-at-home-mom” or a “working mom”. Why couldn’t you be both? Why wouldn’t you be both? Want to be with your kids two days a week or be able to pick them up from school every day at 3? Dutch moms can, and it’s freaking amazing!

Dutch moms take schedules seriously! Ever noticed how after 6 pm (except for summer months) there’s nobody left on the streets? That’s because by that time, Dutch kids are having dinner, and right after are being bathed and ready for bed. Night time here is around 7:30- 8 pm, so that they get a full 12h sleep until waking up for school the next day. This gives Dutch parents plenty of time left of the evening to enjoy each other’s company, have a glass of wine, watch a movie or… make more babies in fact. JK. The majority of Dutch parents follow a strict and predictable day and night-time routine which produces happy, healthy and well-rested children – AND parents.

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Dutch moms let their children be children, and don’t act like control-freak helicopter momsters. Their parenting style is led by the principles of freedom and independence and is often linked to the saying that “to raise a child is to let a child go”. Dutch babies and kids are given space and time to cultivate their sense of independence, and are let to run free, get dirty, explore, climb, taste and then return to their parents. You will notice this when you see barely 1-year olds practicing their walking skills in restaurants or crawling around in airports.

This constructive freedom cultivates and helps produce the healthy, independent children we all wish to have.

You will actually have a hard time finding a “helicopter mom” (or dad) in the Netherlands. At every playground I have frequented the exact opposite tends to be true. Ridiculously high climbing structures? Check! Open waterways and canals? Check! Even with looming “danger”, the “helicopter-parent” trend has thankfully managed to not successfully cross the Atlantic – as we all know those kind of parents are no fun to be around (and more importantly, are sadly trapped in the realm of constant worry, stress, and over-protection).

Dutch parents own the art of separating their children’s talents (or lack thereof) from their own. Their children are not seem as a direct reflection of themselves, but instead, as autonomous beings with individual characters, strengths and weaknesses. It’s an utterly refreshing perspective which automatically removes competition, guilt, and self-praise from the core of the parenting equation.

And last but not least… Guess what? Dutch mothers sleep better than you. It’s not fair, but it’s true. We all know that actually the MOST important, critical, life-saving element of parenthood is actually just…. cold.hard.sleep! Dutch moms sleep better because their babies sleep better, and therefore their kids do too. They sleep outside (in strollers when they’re babies), and at max. 20 degrees when indoors, at home – please note, no beanies, or exaggerated clothing for either indoors or outdoors.

Jealous yet? Well, I happen to have found the most perfect and beautiful place to raise babies and kids and to be a mom. Here. It. Is. 90% of me is a Dutch mom now, all I’m missing is the accent.

]]>https://realmomster.com/the-reasons-why-dutch-moms-are-the-happiest-and-their-kids-also/feed/0French Model Tina Kunakey Inspires Pregnancy Body Confidence at its Finesthttps://realmomster.com/french-model-tina-kunakey-inspires-pregnancy-body-confidence-at-its-finest/
https://realmomster.com/french-model-tina-kunakey-inspires-pregnancy-body-confidence-at-its-finest/#respondMon, 04 Feb 2019 07:53:56 +0000https://realmomster.com/?p=13677“HAPPIEST NEW YEAR EVER And if you don’t know now you know”….is how Tina Kunakey started 2019 on Instagram with the big news. The 21-year old French model officially shared…

]]>“HAPPIEST NEW YEAR EVER And if you don’t know now you know”….is how Tina Kunakey started 2019 on Instagram with the big news. The 21-year old French model officially shared the news about expecting her first child with husband Vincent Cassel. As part of the announcement , the model shared a snap of herself posing naked (and hot!) on the beach, accessorised with a bright big smile and a bare bump peeking out from beneath her supersized straw hat.
Photo via Instagram @tinakunakey

And this was just the beginning of a sunny, joyful, contagious motherhood glow and energy that Kunakey was about to spread around her on social media with us. Even though her sunny disposition and the beginning of motherhood are a great match, it’s the model’s body confidence that continues to stand out most of all.

A week after her announcement post, Kunakey shared a snap of herself (and her growing bump) rocking a two piece swimsuit by the poolside, amidst palm trees, looking all relaxed and confident. And if that’s wasn’t enough, she proceeded to embrace her voluptuous curves in a metallic string bikini in Rio de Janeiro.

Photo via Instagram @tinakunakey

Photo via Instagram @tinakunakey

Kunakey is definitely this year’s model mamma that will mark a significant milestone by becoming a mamma and will do so with an unapologetically strong and sensual attitude. Gosh, if this is how motherhood looks like, I want it too (again) ! Congrats to the beautiful couple, and we will keep close to our smartphones to see on which beach she will be posing next, ready to collect some self confidence and radiance from her.

]]>Yes, a baby changes your life, but why should it change your style too? If you’re planning on running about town with your mini you, consider investing in a chic baby changing bag that will keep you close to your personal style and will disguise the contents with a stylish exterior.

Here’s our favourite designer baby changing bags that will make you excited to get out of the house and will put a chic spin on your mommy-ness.

Moschino Blue Bear Changing Bag with mat

Jeremy Scott x Moschino is one chic combo you shouldn’t resist in terms of baby changing bags! In pale blue, Moschino’s modern changing bag is perfect for small adventurers on the go. With an easy transportable changing mat included, there’s a long strap to hang the bag up as well as a separate strap for carrying it that’s both detachable and adjustable, a large compartment that zips up and two pockets within, one small and one large.

Stella McCartney Fern Diaper Bag

The SS18 collection takes inspiration from summers by the English seaside where memories are made playing games at the funfair and ice cream at sunset. And above all this, it’s so smartly designed, that you are guaranteed to not lose your keys or phone or physiologic serum in it! Mamas, take word.

Fendi Friends-Print Diaper Bag

Who said Fendi is not right for diapers and milk bottles? This ultra-fun and colourful diaper bag by Fendi is everything you ever dreamt of! Super spacious and really fun, you could never tell it hides baby stuff instead of…’you stuff’.

Tiba and Marl Raf Weekender Camo

For more adventurous and hip moms, this super lightweight and spacious RAF camo bag is made from top quality padded nylon with faux leather detailing and features our bespoke camo print, lending this style a unisex, bold graphic edge. Large enough to fit all your essential items, it also doubles up perfectly as a work bag, weekend bag, gym bag, hospital bag or carry-on bag. Basically, our ‘dream’ bag.

Gucci Kids Diaper Bag

This Gucci print diaper bag from Gucci Kids is every fashionista mom’s fantasy! Made in leather with adjustable shoulder straps, it basically has around a hundred pockets, and screams ‘chic’ from the bottom of its…depth. Perfect for that classy lunch date with your mini you, the stroller and your girlfriends.

Kenzo Kids Tiger Print Changing Bag

Here’s a unisex, lightweight ‘Tiger & Friends’ baby changing bag from Kenzo Kids, that embodies everything you are searching for in a diaper bag. Ideal for both girls and boys, and stylish for every young, modern mamma.

]]>https://realmomster.com/our-favourite-designer-baby-changing-bags/feed/0Indulge in Mother-Baby SPA at Le Royal Monceau Parishttps://realmomster.com/indulge-in-mother-baby-spa-at-royal-monceau-paris/
https://realmomster.com/indulge-in-mother-baby-spa-at-royal-monceau-paris/#respondWed, 16 Jan 2019 09:13:02 +0000https://realmomster.com/?p=13643If you’re a SPA lover, a Paris aficionado and a modern, young mamma who wants to pamper her babies in the best way possible, here are some good (and chic)…

]]>If you’re a SPA lover, a Paris aficionado and a modern, young mamma who wants to pamper her babies in the best way possible, here are some good (and chic) news for you: The Royal Monceau-Raffles in Paris partnered up with Spa My Blend by Clarins and created an unforgettable experience for mums and babies. Welcome to the all-new Thalasso Therapy Bath treatment – an unique experience which caters to mothers and newborns to two month olds (so hurry, while your little bundle of joy is still small and baby-licious!).

This 1 hour treatment is divided in two steps to calm both the mother and baby’s nervous systems by replicating the experience inside the womb. First, babies are placed in the 98.6°F water and rocked under a warm water jet by the trained expert. Then, babies and mothers will enjoy a soft, relaxing massage together, which will be so beneficial for the both of them, and will make them leave the SPA with a big smile on their face.

This Baby SPA is the perfect gift to offer yourself as a new mom, and even to offer as a gift to your mom friends, who seek an unique experience of well-being, relaxation and mindfulness.

]]>https://realmomster.com/indulge-in-mother-baby-spa-at-royal-monceau-paris/feed/0Keep Your Most Treasured Memories Safe with the Minimalist Baby Bookhttps://realmomster.com/keep-your-most-treasured-memories-safe-with-the-minimalist-baby-book/
https://realmomster.com/keep-your-most-treasured-memories-safe-with-the-minimalist-baby-book/#respondTue, 08 Jan 2019 16:46:36 +0000https://realmomster.com/?p=13628I have recently come across the best Christmas gift that I have offered to a new mom this past December. A personalised, meaningful, yet chic and classy present that will…

]]>I have recently come across the best Christmas gift that I have offered to a new mom this past December. A personalised, meaningful, yet chic and classy present that will be loved by both the parents, and the kids when they grow up. A ‘little’ something to keep safe your most treasured memories: the Minimalist Baby Book.

A modern, yet classic baby record book that covers the first five years of a child’s life. Filled with unique prompts, journal entries, spaces for photos and quick fill-in charts. There’s a place to remember each birthday, funny quotes and so much more- because all mothers know one thing: no matter how small or apparently insignificant, each little thing our babies do is worth remembering in some way or another!

Ever since we have discovered this little gem, we have saved it up for all new mammas in our life. Because what greater gift than a keepsake to all your most treasured memories with your little ones!

We sat down with founder of Tokki Goods, and mother of two, Christina Ketmayura, to learn more about her family business, her brands’ culture and future plans! Currently living in Atlanta, US with her husband and two children (ages 4 and 1), their life is fairly quiet and revolves around visiting new parks and trails and spending as much time outdoors and discovering new places to eat on the weekends.

When did you first feel like coming up with a minimalist product, something to collect memories in, that felt different, more simple, and aimed at parents that want to keep things simple?

I felt a growing tension in the gap I saw of beautifully curated, simple baby goods after I became a mother. It was my mission to work on products that would fill this gap. I felt that the Minimalist Baby BookTM was a perfect first product because it really represented my vision to create a product that not only added beauty, but value into the lives of parents and their children. These books are created to last generations. It’s not a passing fad, but something that any parent and child could treasure for a lifetime.

To whom is the Minimalist Baby book addressed?

The Minimalist Baby BookTM is for parents who want to have a physical artifact to pass down to their children. It’s designed for you to be able to collect all the most treasured memories of the child’s first years in a very straightforward fashion. I believe there is something so uniquely special about a child seeing their parents’ handwritten notes and letters addressed to them. It’s personal and shows so much intentionality and love.

What’s the most special thing about the Minimalist Baby Book?

I think the most special thing about the Minimalist Baby BookTM is that you can make it what you want for your child. When creating this book, I imagined it being filled and having coffee stains and wrinkled pages. As the book gets written in, I see it developing character and a life of its own – a treasure to be passed down from parent to child.

There are easy prompts to help you write down specific memories, but there are also just open ended pages and blank pages to fill as you wish. I want parents to feel the joy in remembering and writing down all the special moments that can be so easily forgotten. I tell parents all the time not to feel like it has to be filled out perfectly, just with lots of love.

How did you actively start the project, who helped you in the process?

My husband was my biggest champion. After having my second child, I was in a slump and struggled with postpartum anxiety, but he never gave up on me or my dreams. We decided he would take a one month unpaid sabbatical from work to spend time with the children. It was a big sacrifice but definitely worth it. During that time, I worked tirelessly to bring the book to life and worked on my own personal health.

What did you find most difficult in the process of actually doing it?

I think the most difficult part of this whole process has been to stay encouraged. Owning a business means you face a lot of rejection, but you have to find the strength to keep going. I’ve found that once I could separate my identity of who I am from what I do, I have a lot more inner peace, but it’s still a daily challenge!

How do you manage to care for your two kids, your home, your marriage and your own business now? What is your recipe for balancing (if you have one…) it all? Please do share.

Balancing motherhood, marriage and work is constantly a moving puzzle. I think with each child, it took me a good year after they were born to gather my bearings and reorganize my life to fit the current state of our family. I think first and foremost, I had to learn to show myself grace for those seasons when it seemed like I was not productive at all. I had to learn that just learning to keep my head above water was okay and even that was something to be proud of.

Even still, I am on a endless journey of discovering myself as a mother. I realized, after staying home with my oldest, that I was happier if I had some work or something different to do in addition to watching my daughter. Currently, I do freelance graphic design work (to help with bills) and run this business on the side. The children are in school three days a week and during those days I do all my work, meal planning, groceries and yoga. Yoga seems like a luxury but it’s an absolute necessity for me to keep up my energy and also give my mind space to calm down.

Any exciting plans for the future of Tokki Goods?

I’ve definitely been trying to be so intentional about the next products we bring to life. It’s been a balance of time/energy and resources. Another passion of mine has been painting and we are tossing around the idea of producing some limited edition prints for a nursery or even the home. It’s honestly still so up in the air as I try to wade through all the ins and outs of starting a business.

]]>https://realmomster.com/keep-your-most-treasured-memories-safe-with-the-minimalist-baby-book/feed/0A Tiffany Kids Registry for This Christmas Seasonhttps://realmomster.com/a-tiffany-kids-registry-for-this-christmas-season/
https://realmomster.com/a-tiffany-kids-registry-for-this-christmas-season/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 08:54:55 +0000https://realmomster.com/?p=13608If you can’t make it at Breakfast at Tiffany’s in New York, at least you can bring Tiffany’s in your home this Christmas. Just like every other Christmas, if you…

]]>If you can’t make it at Breakfast at Tiffany’s in New York, at least you can bring Tiffany’s in your home this Christmas. Just like every other Christmas, if you ask me. So we thought, what better way to “sneak” Tiffany into your house, or your friends’ homes, than creating a Tiffany Kids gifts registry this Christmas.

All the while keeping up with Tiffany’s history of refined gifts, these baby designs offer updated classics for modern families that define the brand’s take on essentials for our little ones.